Clippers Land Three-Time All-Star Bradley Beal After Suns Buyout in Stunning Free Agency Move…see more…
In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Clippers have signed three-time All-Star Bradley Beal following his buyout from the Phoenix Suns. The acquisition adds another high-profile name to a Clippers team already brimming with star power and ambition, aiming to finally break through in the postseason.
Beal, 32, became a free agent after finalizing a contract buyout with the Suns earlier this week, ending a short-lived stint in Phoenix that never quite materialized into the championship run many envisioned. Beal’s decision to join the Clippers signals a fresh chapter in his career and potentially a formidable shift in the Western Conference power structure.
Beal’s Phoenix Exit: A Short and Turbulent Stay
Beal arrived in Phoenix last offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Washington Wizards, where he had spent 11 seasons. The move was designed to create a superteam alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, injuries and chemistry issues plagued the trio. Beal averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in just 53 games, his lowest scoring output since his rookie season.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Beal’s role in Phoenix never felt clearly defined. His ability to be a primary scorer was limited by Booker’s dominance and Durant’s versatility, and defensively, the Suns struggled to hide multiple liabilities on the court at once. The Suns were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games, prompting a reevaluation of their roster construction.
Phoenix’s front office and Beal’s representatives reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with Beal accepting a buyout that reportedly saves the Suns nearly $20 million in salary and luxury tax costs. The move also gives Beal the freedom to choose his next destination—and he didn’t take long.
Clippers Snag Another Star
The Clippers moved swiftly. With James Harden testing free agency and questions swirling around the long-term availability of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, adding Beal reinforces the team’s offensive firepower and gives them another go-to scorer.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Beal agreed to a two-year deal worth $18.4 million, with a player option on the second year. The Clippers used part of their mid-level exception to complete the signing, a team-friendly contract for a player of Beal’s caliber.
“This is an exciting opportunity to compete at a high level and play alongside great talents,” Beal said in a statement released by the team. “I believe in what this organization is building and I’m ready to contribute in every way I can to help bring a championship to L.A.”
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank praised Beal’s scoring versatility, playoff experience, and leadership.
“Bradley is one of the league’s most dynamic guards,” Frank said. “His ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor, and elevate in big moments gives us another weapon as we chase our ultimate goal.”
How Beal Fits in L.A.
The fit is intriguing. Assuming Leonard and George are healthy—a significant caveat—the Clippers could roll out a starting lineup featuring Beal, Leonard, George, Ivica Zubac, and potentially Russell Westbrook, who is expected to re-sign. Beal’s off-ball movement, mid-range scoring, and three-point shooting can complement Leonard’s isolation play and George’s slashing.
Defensively, the Clippers will need to scheme carefully to protect Beal, who has never been known as a stopper. However, with Leonard and George anchoring the wings, and Zubac patrolling the paint, the Clippers may be able to cover for any lapses.
Offensively, Beal provides insurance if Leonard or George miss time—a common issue in recent seasons. His ability to handle the ball in late-game situations could ease pressure on other stars and give head coach Tyronn Lue more options down the stretch.
Clippers’ Title Window
This signing further signals the Clippers’ commitment to going all-in before moving to their new arena, the Intuit Dome, in Inglewood next season. Ownership, led by Steve Ballmer, has been aggressive in recent years, pushing the team’s payroll deep into the luxury tax to contend.
The Clippers have never reached the NBA Finals in franchise history, and their championship window appeared to be closing with injury-prone stars and no deep playoff runs since 2021. Beal’s arrival could provide the boost they need.
Still, questions remain: Can this group stay healthy? Will the chemistry gel quickly enough to matter in a loaded West featuring the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and a revitalized Warriors squad? And will Beal be able to adjust his game to a potentially smaller role?
What’s Next for Beal and the Clippers
For Beal, this marks the third phase of a decorated but incomplete career. He was the face of the Wizards, made three All-Star teams, averaged over 30 points per game twice, but never sniffed serious playoff contention. In Phoenix, he was part of a star trio that fizzled out. Now, he joins a Clippers team still hunting for postseason success.
If he can rediscover his elite scoring touch and stay healthy, he could be a game-changer. The Clippers, meanwhile, just added another battle-tested scorer without surrendering assets, a rare win for a team that has mortgaged most of its future in previous trades.
The Clippers are expected to introduce Beal officially in a press conference next week, with training camp set to begin in early October. Until then, fans can dream of what a healthy Beal-Leonard-George trio might accomplish in what could be the final shot at a title for this core.
For now, the Clippers have ma
de a loud, clear statement: they’re not done yet.
